Implant of osteostimulative material

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a bone-implantable device and methods of use. The bone-implantable device comprises a body having an exterior surface, wherein a portion of the exterior surface includes a cured osteostimulative material comprising MgO.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/478,241 entitled “Implant of Osteostimulative Material,” filed onMar. 29, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of bone implantable devicesintegrated with osteostimulative material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in thissection are not prior art to the claims in this application and are notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Implant loosening is commonly encountered in humans and other animalsthat undergo orthopedic surgery and results in compromised constructstability, decreased patient comfort, and additional expenses. Theholding power of an implant in bone is associated with multiple factorssuch as the mechanical and structural properties of the implant,mechanical and physical properties of the bone, placement of theimplant, load distribution, and bone-implant integration. Cyclicloading, infection, inflammatory reaction around the implant andsubsequent bone resorption, micromotion-induced implant loosening, andfatigue failure at the bone-implant or bone-cement interface are othercommon causes of implant failure.

Various implant surface configurations, coating methods, andbiomaterials have been developed to improve integration between bonesand implants. An assortment of osteoinductive and osteoconductivematerials has been used to fill bone defects and to anchor implants tobone. To achieve this, a material should adhere implant to bone,tolerate and transfer loads on the implant to bone, promote bonehealing, and be readily absorbed at a rate that allows adequate time forosseointegration.

The biomechanical properties of the filler material should resemblethose of bone and should be resistant to fragmentation and wear debrisformation. Furthermore, the formulation should be easy to apply, shouldnot cause thermal damage during the process of curing, and should betolerated by the host.

Polymethylmethacrylate is an acrylic bone cement, which has been usedfor plate luting and total arthroplasties for almost 50 years. BecausePMMA is nonabsorbable, two interfaces will inevitably exist: one betweenthe implant and cement and another between the cement and bone. Wearparticle formation, thermal necrosis from the curing process, andfractures within the cement layer are known complications associatedwith the use of PMMA and can lead to failure of the implant construct.Calcium-phosphate cement was the first biodegradable bone cement to bemade commercially available. It can tolerate high compressive strength,fill in gaps between implant and bone, act as an osteoconductive medium,and increase biomechanical strength of the bone-implant interface.However, calcium phosphate cement lacks adhesive properties and has along absorption time.

In addition, existing osteostimulative materials must disadvantageouslybe applied immediately before implantation. Such a requirement increasesthe procedure time, and increases the risk of uneven application of theosteostimulative material on an implant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the inventors recognized that abone-implantable device with an improved osteostimulative materialintegrated at the point of sale would be desirable. The presentinvention provides such a device and method of use.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides abone-implantable device comprising a body having an exterior surface,wherein a portion of the exterior surface includes a curedosteostimulative material comprising MgO.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for securinga bone portion using a bone-implantable device, the method comprising:(a) providing the bone-implantable device, the bone-implantable devicecomprising a body having an exterior surface with a portion of theexterior surface comprising a cured, MgO-containing osteostimulativematerial, and (b) securing the bone-implantable device to the boneportion so that said cured osteostimulative material contacts the boneportion.

These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading thefollowing detailed description, with reference where appropriate to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a bone screw according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bone screw of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an inter-vertebrate implant accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the inter-vertebrate implant ofFIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an inter-vertebrate implant withosteostimulative material positioned in an interior cavity according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the inter-vertebrate implant ofFIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a joint implant according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the joint implant of FIG. 7according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems are described herein. It should beunderstood that the words “example,” “exemplary,” and “illustrative” areused herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example,” being“exemplary,” or being “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construedas preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. Theexemplary embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. Itwill be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure,as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, can bearranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a widevariety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated herein.

Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the Figures should notbe viewed as limiting. It should be understood that other embodimentsmay include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure.Further, some of the illustrated elements may be combined or omitted.Yet further, an exemplary embodiment may include elements that are notillustrated in the Figures.

As used herein, with respect to measurements, “about” means+/−5%.

As used herein, “osteostimulative” refers to the ability of a materialto improve healing of bone injuries or defects.

As used herein, “osteoconductive” refers to the ability of a material toserve as a scaffold for viable bone growth and healing.

As used herein, “osteoinductive” refers to the capacity of a material tostimulate or induce bone growth.

As used herein, “biocompatible” refers to a material that elicits nosignificant undesirable response when inserted into a recipient (e.g., amammalian, including human, recipient).

As used herein, “bioresorbable” refers to a material's ability to beresorbed in-vivo through bodily processes. The resorbed material may beused by the recipient's body or may be excreted.

As used herein, “cured” refers to a material that has transformed from aslurry to a solid, by providing adequate moisture, temperature, and/ortime or by other means.

With reference to the Figures, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate exemplarybone-implantable devices 100. The bone-implantable device 100 mayinclude a body 102 having an exterior surface 104. A portion of theexterior surface 104 includes a cured osteostimulative material 106comprising Magnesium oxide (MgO). The body 102 of the bone-implantabledevice 100 may comprise titanium, polyetheretherketone (PEEK),polyurethane, bone, or combinations thereof. The cured osteostimulativematerial 106 may have both osteoconductive and osteoinductiveproperties. In addition, the cured osteostimulative material 106 may bebioresorbable. A thickness of the cured osteostimulative material 106 onthe exterior surface 104 of the body 102 may range from about 20 μm toabout 200 μm. In some examples, the cured osteostimulative material 106does not cover the entirety of the exterior surface 104 of thebone-implantable device such that there are areas of bare titaniumpolyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyurethane, and/or bone.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the bone-implantable device 100comprises a bone screw including a head portion 116 and a threadedportion 118. In such an example, at least a portion of the threadedportion 118 includes the cured osteostimulative material 106. In oneexample, the cured osteostimulative material 106 is positioned in thevalleys defined by the threads of the threaded portion 118. The areabetween threads of the threaded portion 118 may be rough, which may helpto secure the osteostimulative material 106 to the threaded portion 118.In another example, the cured osteostimulative material 106 ispositioned on the peaks between one or more of the threads of thethreaded portion 118. In yet another example, the cured osteostimulativematerial 106 is positioned both in the valleys defined by the threads ofthe threaded portion 118 and on the peaks between one or more of thethreads of the threaded portion 118. In such an example, the curedosteostimulative material 106 may not cover the entirety of the exteriorsurface 104 of the bone-implantable device such that there are areas ofbare titanium polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyurethane, and/or bonebetween the cured osteostimulative material 106 positioned in thevalleys defined by the threads of the threaded portion 118 and the curedosteostimulative material 106 positioned on the peaks between one ormore of the threads of the threaded portion 118. Such an arrangement isillustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

In another example, the body 102 includes an interior cavity 110 and oneor more openings 112 connecting the interior cavity 110 to the exteriorsurface 104, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. In such an example, atleast a portion of the interior cavity 110 and at least a portion of theone or more openings 112 includes the cured osteostimulative material106. In yet another example, the exterior surface 104 includes aplurality of pores 114, and the cured osteostimulative material 106 ispositioned in one or more of the plurality of pores 114, such asillustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

In another example, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the exterior surface 104 ofthe bone-implantable device 100 includes a plurality of grooves 108, andthe cured osteostimulative material 106 is positioned in one or more ofthe plurality of grooves 108. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, thebone-implantable device 100 may comprise an inter-vertebrate implanthaving a top grooved surface 120 and a bottom grooved surface 122. Insuch an example, at least a portion of each of the top grooved surface120 and the bottom grooved surface 122 includes the curedosteostimulative material 106. In one example, the curedosteostimulative material 106 is positioned in one or more of theplurality of grooves 108 of the top grooved surface 120 and the bottomgrooved surface 122. The plurality of grooves 108 on each of the topgrooved surface 120 and the bottom grooved surface 122 may be rough,which may help to secure the osteostimulative material 106 to theexterior surface 104 of the bone-implantable device 100. In anotherexample, the cured osteostimulative material 106 is positioned on thepeaks between one or more of the plurality of grooves 108 of each of thetop grooved surface 120 and the bottom grooved surface 122. In such anexample, the cured osteostimulative material 106 is not positioned inthe plurality of grooves 108 themselves, but instead is positioned onthe peaks between the plurality of grooves 108.

In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the bone-implantabledevice 100 comprises a joint implant including a stationary component124 coupled to a rotatable elongated member 126. In such an example, atleast a portion of an exterior surface 104 of the stationary component124 and at least a portion of the rotatable elongated member 126includes the cured osteostimulative material 106.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, thebone-implantable device 100 may additionally carry one or moretherapeutic agents for achieving further enhanced bone fusion andingrowth. In one particular example, the bone-implantable device 100 mayinclude one or more cavities 128 containing a therapeutic agent in theexterior surface 104 of the body 102. Such therapeutic agents mayinclude natural or synthetic therapeutic agents such as bone morphogenicproteins (BMPs), growth factors, bone marrow aspirate, stem cells,progenitor cells, antibiotics, or other osteoconductive, osteoinductive,osteogenic, bio-active, or any other fusion enhancing material orbeneficial therapeutic agent.

The resultant bone-implantable device 100 exhibits relatively highmechanical strength for load bearing support, while additionally anddesirably providing high osteoconductive and osteoinductive propertiesto achieve enhanced bone ingrowth and fusion. In use, the curedosteostimulative material 106 positioned on the exterior surface 104 ofthe body 102 of the bone-implantable device 100 will induce bone growthinto the bone-implantable device 100 and be resorbed. Theosteostimulative material 106 is eventually replaced by bone, therebymore firmly embedding the bone-implantable device 100 in the body.

The osteostimulative material 106 may take a variety of forms. Theosteostimulative material 106 may allow for in-situ (i.e., in vivo)attachment of biological structures to each other and to manmadestructures. The osteostimulative material 106 may also facilitate therepair of bone, ligaments, tendons and adjacent structures. Theosteostimulative material 106 may also provide a bone substitute forsurgical repair. The formulation of the osteostimulative material 106 isusable at numerous temperatures, pH ranges, humidity levels, andpressures. However, the formulation can be designed to be utilized atall physiological temperatures, pH ranges, and fluid concentrations. Theosteostimulative material typically is, but not necessarily, injectablebefore curing and can exhibit neutral pH after setting. It may beabsorbed by the host over a period of time.

The osteostimulative material 106 is particularly useful in situations(such as plastic surgery) when the use of metallic fasteners and othernon-bioabsorbable materials are to be assiduously avoided. Theosteostimulative material 106 also is useful when a certain amount ofexpansion or swelling is to be expected after surgery, e.g., in skullsurgeries. It is a good platform for bone-formation. Theosteostimulative material 106 can be also used as an anchoring device orgrafting material.

Generally, the osteostimulative material 106 is derived from thehydrated mixture which comprises: (a) KH₂PO₄ in an amount between about20-70 dry weight percent, (b) MgO in an amount between 10-50 dry weightpercent, (c) a calcium containing compound, and (d) a sugar. In oneparticular example, the calcium containing compound is Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH.

Exemplary formulations of the osteostimulative material 106 include thefollowing:

Formulation I* Potassium phosphate (i.e., KH₂PO₄) 61% MgO (calcined) 31%Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 4% Sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (powder) 4% *All values are weightpercentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation II* KH₂PO₄ 54% MgO (calcined) 33% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 9% SucroseC₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (powder) 4% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation III* KH₂PO₄ 44% MgO (calcined) 44% Calcium-containingcompound 8% (whereby the compound is Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ or CaSiO₃) SucroseC₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (powder)  4% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation IV* KH₂PO₄ 44% MgO (calcined) 41% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 8% SucroseC₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (powder) 4% Mono-sodium phosphate (MSP) 3% *All values areweight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably betweenabout 28-32 weight percent.

Formulation V* Potassium phosphate (i.e., KH₂PO₄) 41% MgO (calcined) 45%Calcium-containing compound 9% (whereby the compound is Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂,CaSiO₃ or combinations thereof.) Sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (powder)  1% *Allvalues are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation VI* KH₂PO₄ 45% MgO (calcined) 45% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 8%Sucralose 2% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation VII* KH₂PO₄  61% MgO (calcined)  32% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂   4%Dextrose 1.5% α-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ 1.5% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation VIII* KH₂PO₄ 50% MgO (calcined) 35% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 7%β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ 3% Dextrose 5% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation IX* KH₂PO₄ 54%  Phosphoric Acid 4% Metal oxide 32% (whereinthe metal oxide is MgO, ZrO, FeO or a combination thereof)Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 7% Sucrose 3% *All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation X* KH₂PO₄ 61%  Metal oxide 32% (wherein the metal oxide isMgO, Ca, FeO or a combination thereof) Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 6% Sucrose 1%*All values are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

Formulation XI* KH₂PO₄ 45% MgO (calcined) 45% Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ 10% *Allvalues are weight percentages

Water is added up to about 40 weight percent of the dry formulation,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent, more preferably between22-25 weight percent.

The above formulations and weight percents are merely exemplary. A rangeof dry constituents can also be used. For example, a suitable range forthe phosphate (i.e., mono-potassium phosphate (MKP)) is generallybetween about 20-70 weight percent, preferably between about 40-65weight percent. In some situations and/or embodiments it is preferableto use the phosphate at a range between about 40-50 weight percent,while in others it may be preferable to use a range of about 50-65weight percent.

A suitable range for the metal oxide (i.e., MgO) is generally betweenabout 10-60, preferably between 10-50, and even more preferably between30-50 weight percent. In some situations and/or embodiments it may bepreferable to use between about 35 and 50 weight percent.

Calcium containing compounds can be added in various weight percentages.The calcium containing compound(s) is preferably added at about 1-15weight percent, more preferably between about 1-10 weight percent.Higher percentages can be employed in certain situations.

Sugars (and/or other carbohydrate containing substances) are generallypresent at weight percent between 0.5 and 20, preferably about 0.5-10weight percent of the dry composition.

Water (or another aqueous solution) can be added in a large range ofweight percents generally ranging from about 15-40 weight percent,preferably between about 20-35 weight percent. For example, in certainembodiments of the materials as generally described herein, water orother aqueous solution is added at between about 28-32 weight percent.In other embodiments of the materials as generally described herein,water or other aqueous solution is added at between about 28-32 weightpercent. It was found that a saline solution may be used. An exemplarysaline solution is a 0.9% saline solution.

For some embodiments (i.e., formula III) it has been found that addingwater at a weight percent of about 37 weight percent produces a creamytextured material that is extremely easy to work with, has excellentadhesive properties, and is easily injectable through a syringe.

The noted ranges may vary with the addition of various fillers and othercomponents or for other reasons.

In one embodiment, the weight percent ratio between MKP and MgO isbetween about 4:1 and 0.5:1. In another it is between approximately 2:1and 1:1.

Without limiting the invention in any manner, in such an embodiment theinventors surmise that the un-reacted magnesium is at least partlyresponsible for the in vivo expandability characteristics of thebio-adhesive. Specifically the metal oxide (i.e., magnesium oxide)reacts with water and serum in and around the living tissue to yieldMg(OH)₂ and magnesium salts. It has been found that in some embodimentsthe material generally expands to between 0.15 and 0.20 percent ofvolume during curing in moisture. The expansion of the material isbelieved to increase the adhesive characteristics of the material. Forexample, the disclosed material has been shown to effectively attachsoft tissues like ligaments to bone, the expansion of the materialimproving adhesion through mechanical strength.

Osteostimulative material 106 useful in the present invention can alsobe found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,533,821, 6,787,495, 7,045,476, 9,078,884,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0250924, and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0314045, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

In operation, the present invention provides a method for securing abone portion using a bone-implantable device, the method comprising: (a)providing the bone-implantable device, the bone-implantable devicecomprising a body having an exterior surface with a portion of theexterior surface comprising a cured, MgO-containing osteostimulativematerial, and (b) securing the bone-implantable device to the boneportion so that said cured osteostimulative material contacts the boneportion.

In one embodiment, providing the bone-implantable device includesapplying an uncured osteostimulative material to the exterior surface ofthe bone-implantable device and curing the uncured osteostimulativematerial before securing the bone-implantable device to the boneportion.

As discussed above, a thickness of the cured osteostimulative materialon the exterior surface of the body may range from about 20 μm to about200 μm. In such an embodiment, applying the uncured osteostimulativematerial to the exterior surface of the bone-implantable device maycomprise one or more of spraying the uncured osteostimulative materialon the exterior surface of the bone-implantable device, dipping thebone-implantable device in the uncured osteostimulative material, andbrushing the osteostimulative material onto the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device.

Further, curing the uncured osteostimulative material may comprise heattreating the bone-implantable device after the uncured osteostimulativematerial is applied to the exterior surface of the bone-implantabledevice. Because high deposition temperature is needed in order to obtainhigh quality of MgO films, the curing temperature may be varied from400° C. to 500° C. in 25° C. intervals. The annealing curing isinversely proportional to the thickness of the mixture ofosteostimulative material. After cooking in an oven, thebone-implantable device may then be air dried. The process of heattreating will reduce drying time exponentially compared with justapplying the osteostimulative material to the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device and allowing it to cure without the aid of heat.

In another embodiment, the body of the bone-implantable device furthercomprises an internal cavity and one or more openings connecting theinterior cavity to the exterior surface. In such an embodiment, themethod may further include applying an uncured osteostimulative materialto the interior cavity and the one or more openings of thebone-implantable device and curing the uncured osteostimulative materialbefore securing the bone-implantable device to the bone portion.

In yet another embodiment, the method further includes applying anuncured osteostimulative material to the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device, curing the uncured osteostimulative material asdiscussed above, and packaging the bone-implantable device in acontainer for future use. As such, the bone-implantable device wouldinclude the cured osteostimulative material at the point of sale.Current procedures require a medical professional to add bone cementeither just before the implant is inserted into the body or after theimplant has already been inserted into the body. As such, providing abone-implantable device with a cured osteostimulative material at thepoint of sale is an improvement that expedites the procedure for amedical professional.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopebeing indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can bemade to the described example, it is intended that all matters in thepreceding description and shown in the accompanying figures beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Further, it isintended to be understood that the following clauses (and anycombination of the clauses) further describe aspects of the presentdescription.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bone-implantable device comprising: a bodyhaving an exterior surface, wherein a portion of the exterior surfaceincludes a cured osteostimulative material comprising KH₂PO₄ in anamount between 20-70 dry weight percent, MgO in an amount between 10-50dry weight percent, a calcium containing compound, and a sugar.
 2. Thebone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaceincludes a plurality of grooves, and wherein the cured osteostimulativematerial is positioned in one or more of the plurality of grooves. 3.The bone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body includes aninterior cavity and one or more openings connecting the interior cavityto the exterior surface, and wherein at least a portion of the interiorcavity and at least a portion of the one or more openings includes thecured osteostimulative material.
 4. The bone-implantable device of claim1, wherein the bone-implantable device comprises a bone screw includinga head portion and a threaded portion, and wherein at least a portion ofthe threaded portion includes the cured osteostimulative material. 5.The bone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the bone-implantabledevice comprises an inter-vertebrate implant having a top groovedsurface and a bottom grooved surface, wherein at least a portion of eachof the top grooved surface and the bottom grooved surface includes thecured osteostimulative material.
 6. The bone-implantable device of claim1, wherein the body comprises titanium, polyetheretherketone (PEEK),polyurethane, or bone.
 7. The bone-implantable device of claim 1,wherein the calcium containing compound is Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH.
 8. Thebone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaceincludes a plurality of pores, and wherein the cured osteostimulativematerial is positioned in one or more of the plurality of pores.
 9. Thebone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the cured osteostimulativematerial has osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties.
 10. Thebone-implantable device of claim 1, wherein the cured osteostimulativematerial is bioresorbable.
 11. The bone-implantable device of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the cured osteostimulative material on theexterior surface of the body ranges from 20 μm to 200 μm.
 12. A methodfor securing a bone portion using the bone-implantable device of claim1, the method comprising: providing the bone-implantable device of claim1; and securing the bone-implantable device to the bone portion so thatsaid cured osteostimulative material contacts the bone portion.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: applying the uncuredosteostimulative material to the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device; and curing the uncured osteostimulativematerial before securing the bone-implantable device to the boneportion.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein applying the uncuredosteostimulative material to the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device comprises one or more of spraying the uncuredosteostimulative material on the exterior surface of thebone-implantable device, dipping the bone-implantable device in theuncured osteostimulative material, and brushing the osteostimulativematerial onto the exterior surface of the bone-implantable device. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein curing the uncured osteostimulativematerial comprises heat treating the bone-implantable device.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the body of the bone-implantable devicefurther comprises an internal cavity and one or more openings connectingthe interior cavity to the exterior surface, the method furthercomprising: applying the uncured osteostimulative material to theinterior cavity and the one or more openings of the bone-implantabledevice; and curing the uncured osteostimulative material before securingthe bone-implantable device to the bone portion.
 17. The method of claim12, further comprising: applying the uncured osteostimulative materialto the exterior surface of the bone-implantable device; curing theuncured osteostimulative material; and packaging the bone-implantabledevice in a container for future use.